Don't get tunnel vision when planning your season. Check out these hidden gems from the pros.

by Megan Evoe

Just like there were the popular kids in school, there are some races that always seem to get the most attention—the "cool" races on the circuit. A lot of those events sell out in record time because they have gained such popularity among triathletes. However, the word isn't out on all of the great races just yet.

Many of the best IRONMAN races still manage to fly under the radar. Whether you want to get out of a racing rut, explore a different part of the world, or simply try a new race, check out what a few of our most well-traveled pros proclaim as some of the most underrated IRONMAN races around. Get your calendar out and start planning for a race that will impress from the course to the local cuisine and get excited for a new race adventure!

Greg Bennett

"The race I feel is underrated is IRONMAN 70.3 Hawaii. Even though there is no longer a pro race there, I definitely recommend this race for many reasons. The water is beautiful, just what you would expect when you think of Hawaii—warm and crystal clear with a small surf break. The bike is on the fun half of the IRONMAN World Championship course, up to Hawi where you have plenty of climbing. The run course is up and around some of the most beautiful resort golf courses and is capped off with a brilliant finish line, right at one of the island's most luxurious resorts. Getting a post-race massage right on the ocean was amazing and the race area is a great place to spend a few days recovering. It's definitely a must-do race!"

"IRONMAN 70.3 Raleigh is an underrated race. It has a beautiful lake swim and a bike course that rolls through the wooded terrain backing up to the city, which kept you entertained physically and mentally. The run is an out and back with a two-mile looped course through the streets of a college town. The host hotel was right at the finish line, which was a highlight as I got blisters from my shoes that day, so my barefoot stroll to the room was about 25 meters away! Magic. Raleigh has great restaurants all within walking distance for the athletes. Finally, the finish line atmosphere was, in my opinion, the best of all of the IRONMAN 70.3s I've raced."

"IRONMAN Sweden. When you arrive in the small town of Kalmar, you can't imagine there would be a whole lot going on around the IRONMAN, but don't be fooled. This region of Sweden is fairly remote and there are not many big events that come to town, but when they do, like IRONMAN Sweden, every person from every town near or far come to spectate and support the athletes. I could not believe how many people showed up to cheer at the finish line. It was a great race and one I would completely recommend."

Kevin Collington

"The race I wasn't expecting to be as awesome as it was, was IRONMAN 70.3 Punta del Este, Uruguay. You never really know what you're getting into when you race in South America, but because it was an IRONMAN event, I gave it a go. Punta ended up being a really cool city and a great place to have a race. The bike and run courses were challenging and scenic. It turns out Punta del Este is considered the "Hollywood of South America," so there were lots of post-race options in terms of good food, picturesque beaches, and parties. If it fits into my schedule again, I would definitely go back."

Freddie Croneborg

"I race mostly in South Asia and the organization and class of the races here have developed rapidly over the last few years. Great race locations like the Philippines, Taiwan, and Malaysia deliver fantastic race experiences. I feel that two of the most underrated races are IRONMAN 70.3 Incheon and IRONMAN 70.3 Busan. I had a positive experience at both of these Korean races, and I can see doing more races there in the future. The weather was good, with temperatures around 20-25 degrees Celsius, and international travel there is easy. Even though triathlon is not a popular sport there yet, the country is well worth a visit with plenty of things to do near both race sites, including good dining and shopping. I look forward to racing both of these events again and to the growth of triathlon in these areas."

Lionel Sanders

"I would have to say that the race I think is most underrated would be IRONMAN 70.3 Texas, Galveston. The venue itself is amazing if you're traveling with your family as there is so much to do and see for everyone. Pleasure Pier is a very short distance away with lots of fun rides and there is a smoothie place across the street that makes the best smoothies I've ever had. The course is very fast and flat, perfect for a PR, but you can count on some wind since you're right on the ocean. The run course is ideal for spectators as you can see and cheer your athlete multiple times on the course. The entire race is pretty much full of cheering crowds, which is very exhilarating! Besides the race, I will go back for the best grilled shrimp I've ever had. I would definitely go back to Galveston."